Olly Olly Oxen Free, Calling Wisdom

Lectio:     

November 12, 2017

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 154

Reading 1WIS 6:12-16

Resplendent and unfading is wisdom,
and she is readily perceived by those who love her,
and found by those who seek her.
She hastens to make herself known in anticipation of their desire;
Whoever watches for her at dawn shall not be disappointed,
for he shall find her sitting by his gate.
For taking thought of wisdom is the perfection of prudence,
and whoever for her sake keeps vigil
shall quickly be free from care;
because she makes her own rounds, seeking those worthy of her,
and graciously appears to them in the ways,
and meets them with all solicitude.

Studium:

Odd that these verses sound like Wisdom is easy, e.i., "readily perceived," "hastens to make herself known," quickly be free," yet the opposite is true.  The overall theme is to seek, have patience and don't give up looking.  One has to keep vigil. 

 Some scholars say the author of the Book of Wisdom is King Solomon, and in these verses he is addressing his judges and princes.  After the author tells them (us) to seek wisdom, he describes wisdom in metaphorical poetry.  Wisdom is "she."  Wisdom is perfection; she graciously appears.  Wisdom is so beautiful and worthwhile, that she is worth the wait.

Meditatio:

Conversations with others, my reading, and contemplation, I pray bring me wisdom.  And wisdom is knowledge of God.  I pray my humble words bring others to Your Wisdom, Lord.  To gain wisdom, I must always be alert to learn. Wisdom takes time, sacrifice, and active participation.  

Oratio:

Lord, Your verses say that Wisdom will always be at the gate.  I want to be worthy to receive her.  I humbly ask for the grace to be worthy of Wisdom through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior and Redeemer.

Contemplatio:

"Olly olly oxen free,"
Wisdom come to me .